Brassiere shaper



Jan. 10, 1956 l. M. FLORES BRASSIERE SHAPER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 9, 1953 INVEN TOR. [AWE/ 7.509

Jan. 10, 1956 1. M. FLORES BRASSIERE SHAPER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 9, 1953 IN I 'EN TOR. ay/V. 50/7615 BRASSIERE SHAPER Iris M. Flores, New York, N. Y., assiguor toSarong, Inc., a corporation of Connecticut Application April 9, 1953, Serial No. 347 ,75l 15 claims; Cl. 223-66) The invention is concerned with a brassiere drier and shaper device comprising a structural arrangement which includes a pair of bust cup' forms mounted on a supporting frame means with the parts so shaped and related that a brassiere in wet form may be readily applied thereto and in drying will be held under tension and caused to assume that desired smooth natural shape.

The shaper is particularly adapted for individual use in the home and is marked byits simplicity and economy of manufacture and by the ease with which it may be manipulated and used by a relatively inexperienced person.

The device is of a character such that in the manufacture and assembly thereof bust cup forin'sof' diiferent size may be selected and applied or substituted in the same standard framel Combined therewith is the further feature of ready adjustability of the relative spacing of the bust cup forms whereby with but few parts shapers are readily obtainable to meet the requirements of a Wide variety of styles and-sizes of brassieres.

Correspondingly the user" is provided with a shaper and drier form which is adapted to accommodate brassieres of different styles and having substantial variation in size and to which the brassiere may be easily applied and thereafter held under suitable tension, resulting, when dried, in a brassiere having a smooth ironed appearance and fully restored to its original shape.

The invention accordingly comprises a' brassiere'shaper possessing the features, properties and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the representative constructions hereinafter described and the scope of which invention will be indicated in the claims.

Reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: I

Fig. 1 is a plan view of 'a relatively simple form of the invention with a brassiere applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a view looking from the right in Fig. 1 but in section through the lower part of the device on the line 2-2;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section through the bust cup forms;

Fig. 4 is fragmentary detailed view of the spring clip means taken on the line 4-4'of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of another form embodying hinged supporting handles, a brassiere likewise being applied to the shaper of Pig. 5

Fig. 5a is a fragmentary view of a portion of thehandle support looking from the right-in Fig. 5;

Fig. 6 is still a different form in which adjustability is effected in a somewhat different manner; I

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view inperspective of the connecting plates of the form of shaper shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a front view of form which may be employed where desired and which is particularly embodied in the-shaper'of-Fig. 6;---

Fig. 9 is a detailedview taken on the line 9+9" of Fig. 8 showing a clip holding means;

a modified shape of bust cup" Sttes Patent 0 Fig. 10 is a still different form of device in which the bust cup forms are mounted in spaced relation on a rigid supporting frame in association with spring clip holding means and other elements;

Fig. ll is a fragmentary view partially in section on the line 11-1ll of Fig. 10 showing one of the bust cup forms and its supporting means; and

Fig. 12 is a vertical cross section on the line 1212 of Fig. 10 showing in particular the spring clip holding means.

In the form of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 the device embodies a supporting frame means which includes a rod lit), the lower end of which has rigidly secured therein a cross bolt 11 the opposed ends of which have threaded thereon a pair of bust cup forms 12. The shape of the bust cup forms may be varied but as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 they are generally of a hemispherical shape and preferably are hollow, and have an outer rounded convex surface which may or may not desired. The forms are made of light material such as a light metal or preferably a plastic material. Each may have a central protuberance 12a to conform more nearly to the natural bust. Each is provided with a' central stem part 13 which in the device shown has secured therein a sleeve 14 which is internaliy threaded to receive the screw bolts 11. The threads on each bolt are preferably of the same hand whereby the bust cup forms 12 are readily interchangeable. Also bust cup forms 12 of different sizes and shapes in accordance with the different standard brassiere bust cup sizes may be employed on the same frame.

The outer portion of the rod 10 is vent into a sinuous form as shown at 17 in Fig. 2 and may terminate in a hook portion 18 suitable for hanging up the device. An open mouthed spring clip 19 is secured upon the rod it) adjacent the bust cup forms. Fig. 1 shows a brassiere B applied to the shaper with the bust cups drawn over the bust cup forms 12 and with the extending side portions ofthebrassiere drawn edgewise into the clip 19 as shown at 20 and 21 in Fig. 4. From the spring clip 19 the brassiere ends are drawn up along the rod iii and interlaced back and forth In the particular device shown in Fig. 5 the bust cup with their backs in generally opposed relation but in thiscase the supporting means is of a character whereby the'forms may be'swung to dilferin this case includes a pair of bars 25 hinged together at 26, each bar 25 having extending therefrom a supporting screw bolt 27 upon which is threaded a bust cup form 28 which may be of a character similar to' that shown in Figs. 1 to 3 or may have a shape similar to that shown in Fig. 8 for example; Eachbar has extending upwardly therefrom a handle portion 29'which may be of the character of the sinuous portion 'll7 of the device'shown in'Fig. 2 and the outer'e'nds include looppo rtion's to whi'ch are secured tapes 30 designed to be tied together as desired to exert tension on the brassiere and serve as a means for hanging up the device with the brassiere applied. Each bar has secured thereto a spring clip 31 into which the brassiere may be inserted edgewise similarly to the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 of the previously described device.

In initially applying the brassiere B to the shaper shown in Fig. 5 the device may be conveniently laid down fiat on a table with the bust cup forms 28 extending upwardly and the brassiere is then laid down thereover and the bust cup portions fitted over the forms 28 and the extending brassiere portions slid into the clips 31 and then the extending end portions are each laced through the sinuous portion 29 of the respective handle parts. The handle parts 29 are then swung around relative to each other to a degree which applies a tension on the brassiere and draws the bust cup portions firmly down onto the surfaces of the bust cup forms 28. Finally the tapes 30 may be tied together and the device hung up.

It will be noted that substantial variation in the size of the brassiere including particularly the distance between the bust cups thereof and the size of the bust cups themselves will be accommodated by variation in the extent of the angle between the bars to which the bust cup forms 28 are secured. In addition the device may embody means for making a major adjustment as to size through the provision of the means for adjusting the forms 28 on the screw stems 27 as has been described.

The device shown in Fig. 6 is similar in major respects to that of Fig. 5, but it includes an adjustable means at 40 intervening between the two bars 41 and 41a. In other words the bar 41 is hinged to a plate 42 and bar 41a is hinged to a plate 43. The plate 42 is provided with a pin 44 having an enlarged projecting head and with keyhole shaped slots 45. Similarly the plate 43 is provided with a pin 46 and a series of key-hole slots 47 whereby the endwise position of the two plates 42 and 43 with respect to each other may be selectively adjusted and the spacing apart of the bars 41 and 41a correspondingly adjusted. The bars 41 and 4111 are generally similar to those shown at 25 in Fig. 5 and similarly have spring clips 48 mounted thereon and outer sinuous portions 49 and the extreme ends may be provided with cords or tapes similar to those shown at in Fig. 5. The key-hole slot arrangement provides ample adjustment and ordinarily no additional adjustment of the bust cups on their supporting stems 51 need be provided, and in Fig. 6 these stems are shown as plain suppoiting bolts permanently secured into the respective bars 41 and 41a.

As has been heretofore indicated, the specific shape of the bust cup forms may be varied if desired, and Fig. 8 shows one such variation of a cup which is in fact embodied in the device of Fig. 6. In plan the bust cup form 50 has a shape somewhat like that which is commonly referred to as tear drop in which, instead of being symmetrical, the form has a portion 50a of increased radius from the nipple portion 50b as a center corresponding to the elongation in bust cups extending rearwardly under the arm commonly provided in brassieres.

The device shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 9 also includes another feature comprising an'auxiliary spring clip fastened onto the bust cup form 50. The clip has an under leg portion 55 secured to the inner surface of the shell of the form 50 by a rivet 56 and has an outer spring finger portion 57 adapted to engage elastically the outer surface of the shell. Preferably the clip has a pivotal mounting on the rivet 56 whereby it is free to swing angularly thereon to different positions as indicated by the broken line position in Fig. 8, in addition to the full line position. The clip is particularly useful in holding thereon the area of the brassiere adjacent to the normal shoulder strap and by making the clip pivoted it may be adjustedto difierent positions to compensate for variations in the point at which the shoulder strap may be connected to the brassiere. It will be understood that the clip shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 9 may likewise be applied where desired or needed to the bust cup forms shown in other specific embodiments of the invention shown in various other figures of the drawings.

Fig. 10 shows a shaper in which the bust cup forms 60 are mounted on a relatively rigid fiat supporting frame member 61. Variation in the lateral spacing of the two bust cup forms 60 to accommodate brassieres of different size is conveniently attainable by providing the supporting member 61 with a series of openings 62. Each of the openings is screw threaded internally and the bust cup forms are provided with central stems 63 which are adapted to be selectively mounted in any one of the openings 62, and for that purpose the stem 63 may have a threaded reduced diameter portion 64, or if desired an auxiliary screw may be employed adapted to extend into the stem 63. Such a construction might be preferred in case the forms 60 are made non-symmetrical such as of the shape shown in Fig. 8. To maintain the brassiere over the forms 60 in stretched condition the supporting frame 61 is provided with a series of clamps 68 which conveniently may be of a character shown in more detail in Fig. 12. Each clamp has a back plate portion 69 having a hole through which a set screw 70 is adapted to extend and be threaded into one of the openings 62 of the frame member 61 to clamp the plate 69 against the back thereof. The clip is provided with a front finger or blade 71 hinged to the back plate 69 at 72. The clip should be freely openable but in closed position be of a character to exert a relatively strong pressure on the brassiere underlying the finger 71. Various known specific structures may be employed for the purpose and the details thereof form no part of the present invention, but it is noted that in the particular clip shown the back plate 69 is provided with a spring tab 74 defined by a pair of spaced vertical slots in the back plate and the finger 71 has integral therewith a cam portion 75 adapted to bear against the spring tab 74 which serves to urge the finger 71 in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 12 into the closed position shown.

In the device shown in Fig. 10 three such spring clips are employed, that is one in the center between the two forms 60 and one at the outer edge of each form 60. It will be understood, however, that additional ones of these clips may be employed to aid in holding down different areas of the brassiere and also to insure the maintenance of the tension on the portions stretched over the bust cup forms 60.

It is to be understood that the specific devices described are representative only and that different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, and that accordingly it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

l. A brassiere shaper having in combination, a pair of bust cup forms, a main supporting frame therefor including means for securing the said forms on said frame at different positions relative to each other for varying the distance apart of said forms to accommodate brassieres of different size, and means for securing the ends of the brassiere beyond the respective said forms to hold an applied brassiere in stretched condition.

2. A brassiere shaper having in combination, a pair of hollow bust cup forms, a supporting frame therefor including means for varying the spaced positions of said forms relative to each other, and a fastening clip mounted on said frame outwardly of each form for securing the outer ends of a brassiere to said frame adjacent the outer edge portion of the respective forms opposite to their inner edge portions thereby to hold the brassiere in tension on the forms.

3. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms each having a central supporting part extending rearwardly, and a frame on which said central parts are mounted embodying an intermediate hinge means to enable said central parts and thereby the forms to be swung to different positions relative to each other with their backs in opposed relation and the axes of said parts at different inclined angles to each other.

4. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of hollow rigid bust cup forms each having a front convex rounded surface and a central supporting part extending rearwardly, and a frame on which said central parts are mounted said frame embodying a hinge connection intermediate the mountings for said parts to enable the forms to be swung to different positions relative to each other with the axes of said parts at different inclined angles to each other thereby to vary the outer peripheral dimensions embodying the two convex surfaces of the forms and the intervening part of the frame.

5. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms each having a front convex rounded surface and a central supporting part extending rearwardly, a frame on which said central parts are mounted provided with an intermediate adjustable joint to enable the forms to be swung to different positions relative to each other with their backs in opposed relation and the axes of said parts at different inclined angles to each other, and means mounted on said frame for securing the ends of a brassiere to the frame beyond the outer edge portion of the respective forms opposite to the inner edge portions of the forms.

6. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms having outer rounded convex surfaces, a supporting frame on which said forms are mounted adapted to support the forms with the backs in opposed relation and with the rounded convex parts extending radially outward, and said frame embodying means for adjusting the distance apart of said forms.

7. In a brassiere shaper a supporting frame having opposed frame parts extending radially outwardly, a

bust cup form mounted on each said part having a rounded convex surface extending outwardlyfrom the respective part, and a frame portion intermediate of said radial parts constructed to enable said parts to be swung to different angles inclined to each other with the said forms extending radially outwardly thereby to exert tension on an applied brassiere.

8. In a brassiere shaper a supporting frame having opposed frame portions extending radially outwardly, the outer ends comprising handle parts, a bust cup form mounted on each said portion having a rounded convex surface extending outwardly from the plane of the respective portion, a frame portion intermediate of said radial portions constructed to enable said radial portions to be swung to different angles inclined to each other with the said forms extending radially outwardly, and fastening means for securing the brassiere ends to the respective radial portions beyond the corresponding bust cup form.

9. In a brassiere shaper a supporting frame having opposed frame portions extending radially outwardly, the outer ends comprising handle parts, a bust cup form mounted on each said portion having a rounded convex surface extending outwardly from the plane of the re spective portion, and hinge means intermediate of said radial portions constructed to enable said radial portions to be swung to different angles inclined to each other with the said forms extending radially outwardly thereby to exert tension on an applied brassiere.

10. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms having outer rounded convex surfaces, a supporting frame, stems for supporting the forms on said frame with the stems diverging outwardly from each other and with the rounded surfaces of said forms pointing outwardly, said stems embodying means for bodily adjusting the position of the respective form inwardly or outwardly relative to the said frame.

11. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms having outer rounded convex surfaces, a supporting frame, means for supporting said forms thereon with the convex surfaces of the forms facing outwardly in opposite directions, and means embodied in said last named means for bodily adjusting said forms toward or away from each other.

12. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of bust cup forms having outer rounded convex surfaces, a supporting frame, means for supporting said forms thereon with the convex surfaces of the forms facing outwardly in opposite directions, and means embodied in said last named means for bodily adjusting said forms toward or away from each other, said frame embodying handles con nected to and extending therefrom, and said handles having means mounted thereon for securing the ends of a brassiere extending around beyond the respective cup forms.

13. In a brassiere shaper, a pair of elongated frame parts having ends connected together by hinge means, a bust cup form mounted on each frame part near the hinge means each comprising a body having an outer rounded convex shape and an inner supporting means connected to the corresponding frame part, said supporting means including means for adjusting the body inwardly or outwardly with respect to its supporting frame part, and means for securing the brassiere ends to the respective frame parts beyond the edge of the corresponding cup form opposite to the hinge means.

14. In a brassiere shaper an elongated supporting frame member, a pair of bust cup forms each having outer rounded convex surfaces, and an inner supporting stem part, means including screw threaded connections for independently securing said stem parts and thereby the corresponding cup forms in openings on said member in laterally spaced relation, said member having a row of openings for that purpose whereby the spacing may be varied to accommodate brassieres of different sizes, and means for securing the opposite ends of a brassiere to said member beyond the corresponding cup forms.

15. In a brassiere shaper a pair of bust cup forms, a frame on which said forms are mounted with the backs in spaced opposed relation and adapted to receive a brassiere around the outside, fastening clips on said frame for securing the outer ends of a brassiere to said frame means at the outer edge of the respective cup forms opposite to their inner edge portions, the mounting for said forms being relatively adjustable for adjusting the distance apart of said forms to accommodate brassieres of different sizes.

References Cited in the file of this patent FOREIGN PATENTS 635,459 Great Britain Apr. 2, 1950 

